Cruising to and around Sweden
Cruising to Sweden is often part of broader Baltic or Scandinavian itineraries. Many sailings begin or end in Stockholm, making it well worth arriving early or staying a few extra days to explore the city. Smaller ships are your best bet here, as they can dock closer to the heart of town without lengthy transfers, and also visit more ports across Sweden. Some ships call at Visby (a UNESCO-listed medieval town), Helsingborg (known for Sofiero Palace and its seaside promenade), and Gothenburg. Cruising through the Stockholm Archipelago’s thousands of islands is a highlight in itself.
Image courtesy of Grand Hôtel Stockholm
Notable cruise lines
Silversea: An ultra-luxury cruise experience with spacious suites, personalized service, and refined dining. Expect immersive itineraries to remote and iconic destinations.
Virtuoso Voyages Hosted Benefits available on select sailings.
Viking Ocean Cruises: Elegant, understated ships designed for culturally curious travelers who want destination-focused itineraries and immersive shore excursions.
Perks include up to $200 Onboard Credit per stateroom on select sailings.
Regent Seven Seas: All-inclusive luxury cruising on intimate, small ships. Spacious suites, gourmet dining, and unlimited shore excursions included.
Virtuoso Voyages Hosted Benefits available on select sailings.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Intimate vessels that visit both well-known and off-the-beaten-path ports. Impeccable service, elegant design, and curated experiences ashore.
STARS Program partner perks include $250 Shipboard Credit per suite, welcome amenity, exclusive shore excursion options, enhanced recognition on board, and more.
Holland America Line: Known for classic mid-size ships that balance tradition with enriching onboard programs, a sophisticated cruising experience, and attentive service.
Perks include a $100 Shipboard Credit per stateroom when booked in a verandah stateroom or suite on all 6+ day voyages.
Trips to add on
Image courtesy of Arctic Bath
Whether by quick flight, scenic train ride, or overnight ferry, these neighboring destinations pair perfectly with a trip to Sweden.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Just across the Öresund Bridge from Malmö. Cycle along colorful Nyhavn, explore cutting-edge design shops, and savor world-class dining. The city’s mix of historic charm and modern innovation makes it a seamless, stylish getaway.
Oslo, Norway: Surrounded by fjords and forested hills, Oslo pairs natural beauty with a thriving arts scene. Visit the striking Oslo Opera House, explore Viking ship museums, and enjoy fresh seafood by the water. Its relaxed pace makes it an ideal complement.
Helsinki, Finland: Helsinki feels fresh, modern, and distinctly Nordic, an easy ferry ride from Stockholm. Stroll through lively market squares, discover bold architecture, and warm up in a traditional Finnish sauna.
Tallinn, Estonia: An overnight ferry ride across the Baltic Sea, Tallinn’s medieval Old Town feels straight out of a fairytale. Past cobblestone streets, pastel facades, and hidden courtyards is a thriving creative energy with repurposed industrial spaces and buzzing cafés.
Swedish Lapland: Far north of the Arctic Circle, chase the Northern Lights or stay at the iconic ICEHOTEL in winter. By summer, you can experience the Midnight Sun, indigenous Sámi traditions, and stay at the floating Arctic Bath hotel on the shore of Lule river.
